Numerical analysis of impact damage at different impact speeds

The formation of dents in components due to impact damage induces stress concentrations, residual stresses, and microstructural damage, that cause premature failure under cyclic loading. Since prior research has shown that impact speed is a key parameter influencing the stress distribution in impacted specimens, the present work numerically studies the effect of impact speed on the damage geometry in an hourglass-shaped specimen. The investigation was conducted on an aluminum alloy hourglass specimen subjected to the normal impact of a steel ball. Results reveal a second-degree relationship between impact speed and dent depth, with the depth increasing as the impact velocity increases. The findings provide a basis for the development of predictive models for estimating impact-induced dent geometry based on impact speed and associated stress concentrations and residual stresses, which are crucial for correctly assessing the fatigue life of damaged components.